Marquita Hattabaugh, 71, passed peacefully on March 26, 2026, at her home in Elm Park, Arkansas, surrounded by the loving family she cherished so deeply. Born on September 14, 1954, in LaFollette, Tennessee, to Gene and Verla (Richmond) Bullock, Marquita was a woman of extraordinary grace, unwavering faith, and a heart that overflowed with love for Jesus and her family.
Marquita graduated from Waldron High School in 1972, where she was proudly crowned Miss Waldron High School. She went on to graduate from Arkansas Vo-Tech in 1974, where she was not only honored as Miss Vo-Tech, but also distinguished with the prestigious Secretary of the Year award – a testament to her dedication, excellence, and the quiet strength she carried throughout her life.
That same year, 1974, she married the love of her life, Steve Hattabaugh, and together they built a home filled with faith, laughter, and a love that never wavered. She was a devoted member of the Waldron Church of the Nazarene, where she served her Lord faithfully – whether helping in her church, participating in mission trips, or simply being a shining example of Christian love to all who knew her.
Marquita was a proud and passionate supporter of causes close to her heart, including the American Heart Association, World Vision, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, and the March of Dimes. She believed deeply in giving, in serving, and in making the world a little brighter for those in need.
She was never happier than when she was surrounded by her family – whether on a cherished family vacation, on a mission trip serving others, on a shopping trip with the ones she loved, or simply gathered together in the warmth of home. She loved Jesus above all things, and that love poured into every corner of her life. Strong, courageous, and steadfast in her faith, Marquita lived as a true servant of God and a blessing to everyone she encountered.
Marquita is survived by her beloved husband, Steve Hattabaugh; her sons, Trevor Hattabaugh (Courtney), Shay Hattabaugh (Brandy), and Chase Hattabaugh (Shannon); her grandchildren, Madison Moses, Bryar Hattabaugh, Treven Hattabaugh, JR Powell, Brooke Hattabaugh, Paisley Jeffrey, Walker Johnson, Townes Johnson and Reese Place; her great-grandchildren, Hunter Moses, Brentley Moses, Addalee Hattabaugh, Ritalee Moses, Mylee Grace and Tinslee Moses; her mother, Verla Bullock; her mother-in-law, Joyce Hattabaugh; her sisters, Denise Thompson (Mike) and Gina Epperson (Tracy); and a host of extended family and dear friends whose lives she touched in immeasurable ways.
She was preceded in death by her father, Gene Bullock; her beloved son, Garris Hattabaugh; father-in-law, Sherman “Sonny” Hattabaugh; her niece, Cheyenne Epperson; and her cousins, Kelly Langley Jr., Karen Hunt, Pandora Bray and Teresa Henson.
Visitation will be held on Monday, March 30, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas.
A Celebration of her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at Waldron First Church of the Nazarene, with Reverend Wally Beckman and Reverend Jeff Wilkinson officiating.
Entombment will take place at Freedom Cemetery at a later date.
Pallbearers will be Trevor Hattabaugh, Shay Hattabaugh, Chase Hattabaugh, Dustin Moses, Treven Hattabaugh, and Bryar Hattabaugh.
Her honorary pallbearer will be Garris Hattabaugh – carried always in love, never far from her side even now.
Arrangements are entrusted to Heritage Memorial Funeral Home, Waldron, Arkansas.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in Marquita’s honor to one of the following organizations:
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Memorial Giving 501 St. Jude Place Memphis, TN 38105
Arkansas Children’s Hospital P.O. Box 2222 Little Rock, AR 72203
March of Dimes P.O. Box 5141 Boone, IA 50950
World Vision P.O. Box 9716 Federal Way, WA 98063
Marquita Sue Hattabaugh leaves behind a legacy not measured in years, but in the love she gave freely, the faith she lived boldly, and the lives she made better simply by being in them. She will be missed beyond all words, and loved beyond all time.
“Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Family and friends who are unable to attend are invited to join her Celebration of Life via webcast on her memorial webpage.
